We go to Seattle every other year for Christmas, and this year was no exception. I We don't consider myself ourselves all that adventurous and/or flexible, so taking the 9 hour road trip with two little ones and a BIG one (me, almost 8 months pregnant) didn't sound too enticing. Well, we lucked out. The boys were peaches. The roads were clear. And I hardly didn't complain once. I'm so glad we made the trip. Parker hadn't been there for 2 years and the boys and I hadn't been there since February. And who knows when we'll be back. We had a blast, of course. Here is the proof::
Entertaining ourselves in the car.
Charlie slept for 45 minutes on the way there and 20 minutes on the way back. Jack slept for 0 minutes.
Our traditional Christmas Eve bowling. Most of us used to love to play 2 games. This year, we barely made it through 1. Next time, maybe hire a babysitter? On Christmas Eve? For 8 kids (maybe more!)? It was fun anyway.
Then we headed back to Mom and Dad's for the best ever potato soup, the Christmas story, a sing-along, and presents. It's the best.
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| Lokelani (17) and Alyssa (14) |
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| Ryanne (5), Ashton (5 weeks), Char and Chris |
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| My dad has written some Christmas songs that we LOVE, including "A Stephens Family Christmas." |
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| Parker and Charlie Parker (16 months) |
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| Lauren (3) |
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| Kaylin (almost 6) |
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| Christopher (2.5) |
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| Kaylin, Brianne, Ryanne, Jack, Alyssa | |
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Alyssa always reads "T'was the Night Before Christmas."
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| Kaylin was missing her 2 front teeth this year. I don't know who convinced her to do it, but she sang the song with Grampy and it was the cutest, most hilarious moment of the evening. (Ryanne danced beside her for moral support.) |
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| There was dancing! |
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| Grammy with her babies |
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| Christopher, as Batman |
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| T'was the night before Christmas |
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| Opening stockings. My boys are still a bit young this year. It took FOR-E-VER to open presents. |
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| Jack playing with his new favorite toy- the dish cloth. Don't ask. |
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| Balls balls and more balls. |
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| We were all spoiled. |
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| You're welcome, Parker. |
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| Charlie, as Superman |
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| Enjoying the loot |
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| Uh. This almost hurts me. |
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| Do-it-yourself family photos. |
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| The Grands. |
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| The Gordon Stephens Family |
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| The Ladies |
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| The Gents |
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| The Chris Stephens Family |
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| The three-year-olds |
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| Check out those eyebrows. |
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| The Eric Stephens Family |
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| The Parker Lamm Family |
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| Grammy and her babies. And Kaylin and Ryanne. |
I could not be more blessed and grateful.
4 comments:
So fun seeing your family!!! Crazy seeing eveyone with their own kids. I can't believe Lokelani is 17! I am glad you made the trip :) What a fun tradition "Christmas Eve" bowling is! Glad you have a good Christmas.
ummm, that dancing was awesome. almost no words for it.
We're so glad you could all come! Pretty sure there won't be more than 8 littles next year... unless you're going for 2 in 2013.
Your family is so cute! Seeing everyone with their spouses and kiddos makes me feel OLD! And, it makes me miss you lots! So many memories hanging out at your place.. :)
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